Sports Desk – Former Pakistan captain and legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been conferred with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, the second-highest civilian honor in Pakistan. The award recognizes his immense contributions to cricket and his long-standing service to the nation.
A Grand Ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari presented the prestigious medal to Afridi during a grand ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The recognition highlights not only his international career but also his impact on English County cricket and his recent leadership in the World Championship of Legends.
Remembering the 2009 T20 World Cup Hero
The ceremony paid special tribute to Afridi’s historic performance in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup. He was the primary architect of Pakistan’s victory in the final against Sri Lanka, where he delivered a match-winning unbeaten 54 runs off 40 balls and took a crucial wicket to secure the trophy for his country.
Shahid Afridi’s Illustrious Career at a Glance
Afridi, known affectionately as “Boom Boom,” remains one of the most impactful cricketers in history.
| Format | Matches | Runs | High Scores | Wickets |
| ODI | 398 | 8,064 | 6 Centuries, 39 Half-centuries | 395 |
| T20I | 99 | 1,416 | — | 98 |
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Global Impact: Beyond international cricket, Afridi has been a dominant force in franchise leagues worldwide, including the PSL, BPL, IPL, and Big Bash.